The Hawaiian archipelago is justly famous for its beaches and snorkeling, but the hiking is also superb. Millennia of volcanic activity have resulted in scenic mountainous landscapes home to a surprisingly wide range of ecosystems, from sunny deserts to cool rainforests. And because one is rarely far from the ocean, trails often afford magnificent views of the coast.

On our recent trip to Hawaii we had four contrasting hiking experiences on three islands, consisting of easy trails that were relatively level and broad in addition to more-challenging tracks.

Hidden Craters Hike

Big Island